WOODSON B. BUTLER, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by: Gaytha Carver Thompson
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville,  1890



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WOODSON B. BUTLER

Capt. Woodson B. Butler is one of the successful planters of Natchitoches
Parish, born December 7, 1840.  His parents, John W. and Julia A. (Hailey)
Butler, were natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, the former born in
1809 and the latter in 1821.  They were married in 1840, and of the ten
children born to them four are now living.

The father, one of the noted physicians of this State, began to practice in
1832, and continued for about twenty years, when he retired much to the regret
of his many patients.  Ain connection with his practice he conducted farming,
took a very active part in politics, has held the office of land commissioner
for two terms, and was also State senator.  He died March 21, 1886, mourned
not only by his family, but also by a large circle of friends, his wife having
preceded him May 1, 1875.

Woodson B. was educated in the Centenary College, later became overseer of his
father's farm, and held this position for six years, when he went into the
merchandising business with his father.  In 1861 he was called upon to serve
his county, and entered the Confederate army as a private under Gen. Ben
McCullough in Company G, Third Louisianan Infantry; took part in the battles
of Elk Horn, Luka, Corinth and Vicksburg, where he was taken prisoner, paroled
and returned home.  Later he re entered the army, was sent to Shreveport to do
post duty, and was there at the time of the surrender.  So faithfully did he
serve his country hat, in May, 1862 he was elected to the captaincy of his
company.

Upon returning home he turned his attention to farming, and now owns 175 acres
of good land, sixty-five acres improved.  His farm is well stocked, and
contains a steam gin mill and grist mill.  In 1878 he was united in marriage
to Miss Bettie Williams, a native Georgian.  Two children blessed their union:
John W. and Bessie L.  The latter passed from life August 3, 1882.  December
1, 1183, Mrs. Butler was called to her long home, and in July, 1887, our
subject took of his wife Miss Carrie Campbell.  They have three interesting
children: Maggie L., Annie L. and William B.   Being one of the representative
citizens of this parish, he was appointed a member of the police jury, and
held this position for two terms.